Fairtrade cocoa butter
Also known as: Cocoa butter, Cacao butter, Fairtrade cocoa butter, Theobroma cacao (Cocoa Butter)
Overview
Cocoa butter is the natural fat extracted from cocoa beans, the seeds of the cacao tree (*Theobroma cacao*). It is a pale-yellow, edible fat primarily used in chocolate production and cosmetics. As a dietary supplement, it's valued for its lipid content and bioactive compounds. Fairtrade cocoa butter is sourced under Fairtrade certification, ensuring ethical and sustainable farming practices. Cocoa butter is rich in saturated fats, mainly palmitic and stearic acids, and contains bioactive polyphenols like flavan-3-ols. Research on cocoa and cocoa-derived products is extensive, with studies addressing lipid metabolism and cardiovascular markers related to cocoa butter intake. It is often consumed as part of chocolate or cocoa powder.
Benefits
Cocoa butter, primarily through its presence in cocoa and dark chocolate, has shown potential benefits. Consumption of cocoa powder (which contains cocoa butter) at 26 g/day for 12 weeks significantly increased HDL cholesterol. Supplementation with calcium alongside cocoa butter reduced LDL cholesterol by 15% in a short-term RCT, indicating a potential lipid-lowering effect. While cocoa/dark chocolate supplementation doesn't significantly reduce body weight, BMI, or waist circumference overall, doses ≥30 g/day for 4-8 weeks may modestly reduce weight and BMI. These benefits are observed in generally healthy adults, with specific populations like those with hypercholesterolemia potentially experiencing greater lipid profile improvements. Cocoa polyphenols and flavan-3-ols in cocoa butter may contribute to cardiovascular benefits, including improved lipid profiles and endothelial function.
How it works
Cocoa butter's saturated fats (palmitic and stearic acids) and polyphenols influence lipid metabolism and antioxidant pathways. Cocoa polyphenols improve endothelial function and lipid profiles. Flavan-3-ols act on nitric oxide pathways, improving vascular function. Calcium supplementation may reduce fat absorption from cocoa butter, lowering energy intake and LDL cholesterol. Cocoa butter fats are well absorbed, but calcium supplementation can reduce absorption by increasing fecal fat excretion. These mechanisms contribute to the observed cardiovascular benefits and potential modest effects on weight management.
Side effects
Cocoa butter is generally safe for consumption in typical dietary amounts. Common side effects have not been reported in clinical trials at studied doses. Uncommon side effects are not well documented. Rare side effects include possible allergic reactions, though these are infrequent. No significant drug interactions have been reported. There are no specific contraindications, but caution is advised for individuals with fat malabsorption disorders. Limited data exists for special populations, but it is generally considered safe in adults. Overall, cocoa butter has a favorable safety profile when consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Dosage
For modest anthropometric effects, a minimum effective dose of ≥30 g/day of cocoa/dark chocolate (including cocoa butter) is suggested. Optimal dosage ranges for lipid profile benefits are around 26–30 g/day. The maximum safe dose is not clearly defined, but typical dietary intake is considered safe. Benefits have been observed with daily intake over 4 to 12 weeks. Cocoa butter is often consumed as part of chocolate or cocoa powder. Calcium co-supplementation may enhance lipid benefits. Calcium can reduce fat absorption from cocoa butter. Calcium supplementation may be beneficial for reducing energy absorption and LDL cholesterol.
FAQs
Does cocoa butter help with weight loss?
Overall, cocoa butter/dark chocolate does not significantly reduce weight, but doses ≥30 g/day for 4-8 weeks may modestly reduce body weight and BMI.
Is cocoa butter good for cholesterol?
Yes, calcium-supplemented cocoa butter reduced LDL cholesterol by 15% in a short-term study, and cocoa consumption increased HDL cholesterol.
Is it safe to consume daily?
Yes, cocoa butter is safe at typical dietary levels when consumed as part of a balanced diet.
Does calcium affect cocoa butter absorption?
Yes, calcium supplementation reduces absorption of cocoa butter fat, lowering its energy value.
Is Fairtrade certification relevant to health?
Fairtrade ensures ethical sourcing but does not directly impact the biochemical effects of cocoa butter.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29553824/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 35 RCTs on cocoa/dark chocolate effects on anthropometric measures found no significant overall effect on weight, BMI, or waist circumference. However, doses ≥30 g/day for 4-8 weeks showed modest reductions in weight and BMI. The study used random effects modeling and dose-response analysis but noted heterogeneity among studies.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11157320/ – A randomized, double-blind crossover trial (n=10 men) investigated calcium supplementation (0.9% by weight) in chocolate, showing a 13% reduction in cocoa butter absorption and a 15% decrease in LDL cholesterol over 2 weeks. The study had a small sample size but rigorous design and statistically significant results (P<0.02), indicating a potential benefit of calcium co-supplementation.
- https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/14/2/255 – An intervention with 26 g/day cocoa powder for 12 weeks showed significant increases in plasma HDL cholesterol, supporting cardiovascular benefits of cocoa components including cocoa butter. This study was controlled and demonstrated clinically relevant lipid changes, suggesting a positive impact on cardiovascular health.
- https://nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu/food-features/dark-chocolate/ – This source provides general information about the nutritional benefits of dark chocolate, including its potential cardiovascular benefits due to flavonoids. It highlights the importance of choosing dark chocolate with a high cocoa content to maximize these benefits.
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chocolate – This Wikipedia article provides a general overview of chocolate, including its composition, production, and history. It serves as a background resource for understanding the context of cocoa butter within chocolate products.